Providence Water, although a department of the City of Providence, is regulated by state and federal agencies in addition to city policies and procedures. The quality of our treated drinking water is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Our revenue and rate structure is regulated by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

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Information About Discolored Water

Occasionally Providence Water receives consumer questions or complaints regarding the appearance of drinking water, specifically iron-tinted discolored water. There are two major sources that can cause water to be discolored – flow changes in the water mains caused by a main leak or an open fire hydrant, and/or the water pipes in your property, often from a failing hot water heater.

Why is the water discolored in my property?

Iron-tinted discolored water may occur because of sediment in the pipes or rust which
has built up on the inside walls of older water mains. This sediment can be disturbed and
subsequently suspended in the water due to an increase or change in water flow which
may be caused by water main breaks, routine maintenance, flow direction changes or
the use and flushing of a nearby fire hydrant.

Failing hot water heaters in properties are also a source of discolored water. If the
discoloration comes only when you run the hot water in your property, check the
condition of your hot water heater. Discolored water from the cold water faucet usually
signals an issue with the water mains in the street or the property’s internal plumbing.

Discolored water can be a chronic problem in areas where there are older cast iron
mains. Replacement, rehabilitation and cleaning of these older mains will provide relief --
however such solutions are expensive and take time. It is important to call Providence
Water when you have a chronic problem, so we can try to provide a temporary solution
until the main can be renovated.

Is discolored water dangerous?

No. Discolored water is not a health threat even though it is not very appealing to drink.
Even very low levels of iron can color the water.

What should I do if I have discolored water?

Providence Water recommends that you flush your water until you get clear water from
the main. If it is still discolored after several minutes of flushing, you may need to wait a
couple of hours until the sediment settles, and the water in the main clears. Then try
flushing again. If it does not clear within a few hours, please call again. Providence
Water may need to flush the main.

When the water is discolored, it is recommended to not do laundry or run the hot water
(to prevent sediment getting into your hot water tank). If it is necessary to do laundry,
use stain remover or a regular detergent with the wash. Use of chlorine bleach is not
recommended, as this could make the situation worse.

Filtering or treating the water may remedy chronic or persistent iron-tinted water
problems, however Providence Water does not endorse specific filtering devices. If you
decide to use a filtration or treatment device in your home we recommend use of a
National Science Foundation (NSF) listed device. In addition, we strongly recommend
that the device be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to
maintain this type of equipment properly may make treatment ineffective and may create
the potential for contamination.